Docetaxel

White to off-white powder. Soluble in DMSO or ethanol. Chemical. CAS: 114977-28-5. Formula: C43H53NO14. MW: 807.88. Synthetic. Anticancer agent. Semisynthetic analog of taxol (paclitaxel). Inhibits microtubule disassembly and inhibits cell replication. Binds to and stabilizes the beta-tubulin subunit of microtubules, preventing depolymerization of the mitotic spindle thus leading to cell cycle arrest at G2/M and apoptosis. This cytotoxic activity has been widely exploited in suppressing oncogenic proliferation. Displays potent and broad antineoplastic properties, used mainly for the treatment of breast, ovarian, and non-small cell lung cancer. Also inhibits pro-angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and displays immunomodulatory and pro-inflammatory properties by inducing various mediators of the inflammatory response. Also studied for use as a radiation-sensitizing agent.